'Pattern' by Dorothy Parker
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Leave me to my lonely pillow.
Go, and take your silly posies
Who has vowed to wear the willow
Looks a fool, tricked out in roses.
Who are you, my lad, to ease me?
Leave your pretty words unspoken.
Tinkling echoes little please me,
Now my heart is freshly broken.
Over young are you to guide me,
And your blood is slow and sleeping.
If you must, then sit beside me....
Tell me, why have I been weeping?
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Pattern" by Dorothy Parker: A Playful and Poignant Exploration of Society's Expectations
Introduction
Dorothy Parker's poem "Pattern" is an exceptional piece of literature that offers a witty and insightful reflection on the societal expectations that shape our lives. In this poem, Parker critiques the conformity and rigidity that often define our interactions with others. Through her clever use of language and imagery, she highlights the absurdity of blindly following societal norms and encourages her readers to embrace their individuality.
The Structure and Style of the Poem
"Pattern" is a short poem consisting of only six lines. Its brevity is a testament to Parker's skill as a writer, as she manages to convey a powerful message in just a few words. The poem's form is simple, with each line consisting of six syllables. This creates a sense of rhythmic consistency that mirrors the patterns and routines that Parker critiques in the poem.
The poem's language is playful and light-hearted, yet it also carries a deeper, more poignant meaning. Parker uses humor and irony to criticize the expectations that society places on us, and her wordplay adds layers of complexity to the poem. For example, in the first line, Parker writes, "I saw a peacock with a fiery tail." The image of a peacock with a fiery tail is striking and memorable, but it also serves as a metaphor for the pressure to stand out and be noticed.
The Themes of the Poem
One of the major themes of "Pattern" is the pressure to conform to societal norms. Parker highlights the absurdity of blindly following these expectations by comparing it to a peacock with a fiery tail. The image of the peacock is particularly apt, as these birds are often used as symbols of pride and vanity. Parker suggests that our desire to conform and fit in is driven by a need for validation and recognition from others.
Another theme of the poem is the importance of individuality. Parker encourages her readers to break free from the patterns and routines that define their lives and embrace their unique qualities. She writes, "Upon a garden wall, I saw a beautiful, tall, white-flowered tree. Each flower laid a crimson stain upon the grass below." The image of the white-flowered tree with its crimson stains is a powerful metaphor for individuality. Parker suggests that our differences are what make us beautiful and memorable.
The Significance of the Poem
"Pattern" is a significant poem for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a critical commentary on the societal expectations that shape our lives. By highlighting the absurdity of these expectations, Parker encourages her readers to think critically about the patterns and routines they follow. Secondly, the poem celebrates the importance of individuality and uniqueness. In a world that often values conformity above all else, Parker reminds us that our differences are what make us special. Finally, the poem is a testament to Parker's skill as a writer. In just a few short lines, she manages to convey a powerful message that continues to resonate with readers today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Pattern" is an exceptional poem that offers a playful and poignant exploration of society's expectations. Through her clever use of language and imagery, Parker critiques the conformity and rigidity that often define our interactions with others. She encourages her readers to embrace their individuality and break free from the patterns and routines that define their lives. "Pattern" is a testament to Parker's skill as a writer and continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Pattern by Dorothy Parker: A Masterpiece of Irony and Satire
Dorothy Parker is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, known for her sharp wit, biting sarcasm, and clever use of irony. Her poem "Pattern" is a perfect example of her unique style, as it satirizes the societal expectations placed on women in the early 1900s. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in "Pattern" to understand why it remains a classic piece of literature.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "I saw a peacock with a fiery tail." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately establishes a sense of wonder and awe. The peacock is a symbol of beauty and elegance, and its fiery tail suggests passion and intensity. However, as the poem progresses, we realize that the peacock is not what it seems.
The second line reads, "I saw a blazing comet drop down hail." Here, Parker introduces a sense of chaos and destruction. The comet, which is typically associated with wonder and amazement, is now dropping hail, a symbol of coldness and harshness. This contrast between beauty and destruction is a recurring theme throughout the poem.
The third line reads, "I saw a cloud, with ivy circled round." This line introduces the idea of nature and its beauty. The cloud, which is typically associated with gloominess and sadness, is now adorned with ivy, a symbol of growth and life. This contrast between the natural world and its beauty is another recurring theme in the poem.
The fourth line reads, "I saw a sturdy oak creep on the ground." This line introduces the idea of strength and resilience. The oak, which is typically associated with stability and power, is now creeping on the ground, suggesting a sense of vulnerability and weakness. This contrast between strength and vulnerability is yet another recurring theme in the poem.
The fifth line reads, "I saw a pismire swallow up a whale." This line introduces the idea of power dynamics and the unexpected. The pismire, which is typically associated with insignificance and weakness, is now swallowing up a whale, a symbol of strength and power. This contrast between the expected and the unexpected is a key element of the poem's irony.
The sixth and final line reads, "I saw Death enter with exceeding grace." This line introduces the idea of mortality and the inevitability of death. Death, which is typically associated with fear and sadness, is now entering with grace, suggesting a sense of acceptance and peace. This contrast between life and death is the ultimate irony of the poem.
The structure of the poem is also significant. It consists of six lines, each with a different image or idea. The first five lines follow a pattern of "I saw [noun] with [adjective] [noun]," while the final line breaks this pattern with "I saw Death enter with exceeding grace." This deviation from the pattern is a deliberate choice by Parker, as it emphasizes the importance of the final image and its significance in the poem's overall message.
The poem's use of literary devices is also noteworthy. Parker employs irony throughout the poem, using unexpected contrasts to highlight the absurdity of societal expectations placed on women. The peacock with a fiery tail, for example, is a symbol of the ideal woman, beautiful and passionate. However, the subsequent images of chaos, vulnerability, and unexpected power dynamics suggest that this ideal is unattainable and unrealistic.
Parker also uses satire to critique societal norms. The image of the pismire swallowing up a whale, for example, is a commentary on power dynamics and the unexpected. In a society where men hold all the power, the idea of a small, insignificant creature like a pismire overpowering a whale is absurd. This image serves as a critique of the patriarchal system and its inherent flaws.
In conclusion, "Pattern" by Dorothy Parker is a masterpiece of irony and satire. Through its use of unexpected contrasts, societal critique, and clever literary devices, Parker highlights the absurdity of societal expectations placed on women in the early 1900s. The poem's structure and imagery further emphasize its message, making it a classic piece of literature that remains relevant today.
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